Why is reinforcement corrosion such a major threat?

Reinforcement corrosion in concrete is now the leading cause of premature aging in infrastructure. In France, 80% of structures are affected by corrosion, and more than 25,000 bridges show signs of advanced deterioration.

This phenomenon is caused by:

✅ Chloride ingress (de-icing salts, marine exposure), which exposes steel to oxidation.

✅ Concrete carbonation, a chemical process that lowers pH and destroys the protective layer around steel reinforcement.

Once initiated, corrosion leads to:

🔹 Cracking and concrete spalling, exposing reinforcement to further environmental attack.

🔹 Structural weakening, which can progress to reinforcement failure.

🔹 Exponential maintenance costs, potentially requiring full reconstruction.

Faced with this challenge, only one solution can stop corrosion and ensure long-term protection of structures: cathodic protection.

💡 For more information on corrosion: our article on corrosion in reinforced concrete.

How does cathodic protection work?

Cathodic protection is an electrochemical process that prevents steel from oxidizing by supplying it with electrons. It operates through two main technologies:

1️⃣ Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP)

🔹 A current generator powers inert anodes (titanium, carbon).

🔹 The steel acts as a cathode and can no longer corrode.

🔹 A control system continuously adjusts the current to optimize protection.

📈 Service life: up to 100 years depending on the type of anode used.

2️⃣ Galvanic Cathodic Protection (GCP)

🔹 Sacrificial zinc anodes are directly connected to the reinforcement.

🔹 These anodes corrode in place of the steel.

📈 Service life: 10 to 25 years depending on environmental conditions and materials used.

🔎 An additional benefit:

Cathodic protection does more than simply stop corrosion. It gradually re-alkalizes the concrete and drives out chlorides, thereby improving its long-term durability.

Why is cathodic protection the only sustainable solution?

Unlike conventional solutions (coatings, inhibitors, spot repairs), cathodic protection directly addresses the root cause of corrosion and delivers unmatched benefits:

✅ Proven effectiveness: used for over 50 years, this technique is standardized internationally (EN ISO 12696).

✅ Prevention and treatment: it protects both new structures and those already damaged.

✅ Real-time monitoring: BlueSpine solutions enable remote control and optimized maintenance.

✅ Cost efficiency: an initial investment that helps avoid expensive long-term repair works.

Supply of equipment for your cathodic protection projects

🌍 BlueSpine designs and supplies complete cathodic protection solutions, including controllers, anodes, and accessories, in compliance with EN ISO 12696 recommendations.

📦 Need equipment for a cathodic protection project? Discover our range of solutions and benefit from our expertise to select the most suitable equipment for your needs.